When politics is stretched to a ridiculous extent, democracy then becomes imperiled, more so if it is a nascent one like that being practised in our beloved country. This unpatriotic act of endangering Nigeria’s current democracy unfortunately played out during a press conference purportedly addressed by a group, Concerned Realists of Southern Kaduna, who are seeking relevance at the expense of our brothers and sisters that lost their lives and property in last week’s attack in Kaura local government area of Kaduna state.
The group led by one Dr. John Danfulani must be aware that these victims have suffered pains and needed encouragement, and not anyone or group trying to evoke the ugly memory of the incident or playing politics with it, with the aim to discredit and impact negative impression on the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan and the
Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Muktar RamalanYero.
It is important to note that the Southern Kaduna people cannot be sold out so cheaply by any group or individual going too far to give condition for votes on 2015 elections on the ground that government has not shown concern or visited the victims affected by the unfortunate incident in Kaura local government area. This is a plot to gain cheap popularity that is ill-conceived, politically motivated and unpatriotic. We want to warn that no group or individual must undermine the integrity of the zone and we shall continue to remain resolute and focused.
We, members of the Southern Kaduna Patriotic Youths Movement, wish to put the record straight, thatthe Minister of Environment, Mrs Laurentia Laraba Mallam, had visited the people and the traditional rulers including neighbouring towns that were initially attacked to commiserate with them over the incident. Hon. Gideon Gwani, a former member of the House of Representatives, paid similar visit and participated fully at the funeral of the dead victims. Also, Chairman of Kaura local government, Hon. Kummai
Badung, has been up and doing in resettling the displaced while NEMA and SEMA as well as other government agencies have visited the scene for assessment with a view to assisting the victims with immediate needs. Already, the Kaduna State government has promised to rebuild the burnt houses for the purpose of resettling victims.
The acclaimed realists, must be realistic, fair and just as well as consult widely before jumping to conclusion that no elected official has visited the affected villages or shown concern over the plight of the people. In any case, what effort and contributions have they made to ameliorate the suffering of the victims or they think it is government responsibility alone? We must learn to be our brothers’ keeper, not only on the pages of newspapers, but also through concerted efforts to ensure that our communities are crime-free and peaceful.
It is unfortunate thatinsurgency and killings are becoming global phenomena asmost responsible government despite religious, political and social beliefs are grappling with it, and everyone sees it as a global disease that must be tackled by all. Once again, we condemn the act as violent,dastardly, cowardly and retrogressive in a society like ours. For the so-called Realists to have accused powerful forces of persecution and extinction without proof and seeking an alternative political platform to realise their personal ambition may be dangerous to the entire zone.
We, therefore, condemn the statement and the position of this group who are not only narrow minded, but trying to precipitate the agony of the victims in pursuit of their political agenda. They should borrow a leaf from the position of the Southern Kaduna Elders Forum who gave suggestions on how to assist the victims and overcome further attacks.
The group’s position is of gross misrepresentation of the entire people of the zone, and a poor effort at misleading the people that the Jonathan and Yeroadministrations have not done enough for the country and the state, respectively. The governor has vehemently condemned the rampant killings and recently summoned a meeting of all traditional rulers in the state to help government surmount the wanton destruction of lives and property. This meeting was summed up with a two-day retreat for traditional rulers, as part of government’s multi-dimensional approach to ensure peace and security in the state.
We also want to acknowledge the fact, that this group is a ploy to cause distraction in order to stall all the genuine efforts of both government and political office holders and instigate the entire good people of the zone against each other. It is more honourable to toe the path of genuine peace, rather than cast shadows.
Over the years, every part of the nation had cried out of marginalisation and injustice, hence the government has kick started the process of reflection and reformation through the National Conference.
We strongly believe in our representatives at the conference, and we shall give all necessary support and cooperation to all Southern Kaduna political leaders including those who have served in both government and private sectorsas well asthose presently in different spheres of endeavour towards the promotion of peace and development in the zone.
Hon Shemang and Hon. (Mrs.) Shekari are chairman and secretary of Southern Kaduna Patriotic Youth Movement, respectively
